Our church is forming a group to direct the affairs of the church. What kind of people could be included in that group, and how soon should we establish it? -- (Chennai, India)
The group should be small. I suggest 5, 7, or 9 members at most. That way it will not be too big to make decisions. An odd number ensures that in the event of a "vote" there will be a clear outcome.
I would also suggest this group consist primarily or exclusively of men. If they have wives, these women would be free to attend most of the meetings, but not required to do so. (Less pressure, easier to take care of family needs.) The group should preferably be led by the elders, though the absence of an eldership is no reason to forego having a leadership group. Ideally it would include persons with different strengths and gifts. For example, elders, teachers, and evangelists are mentioned in Ephesians 4:11. A primary criterion is spiritual maturity.
Finally, perhaps it is wise to mention that in a fledgling church, or a smaller congregation, leadership by an evangelist is desirable, and likely the only realistic option. But as a church ages, matures, and grows, this is less and less feasible. A group is needed. (God's plan calls for eldership.) From my study of the early church in the New Testament, then, I can deduce three "stages" of local church leadership development:
* Church planting/young church: leadership by the preacher.
* Intermediate church: hybrid between "one-man rule" and eldership. An emerging leadership group.
* Mature church: leadership by elders.
These three stages correspond, in terms of human development, to childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, respectively.
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